Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsWhat It IsBenefitsSide EffectsWho Should Not Use ItHow to Use
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
What It Is
Benefits
Side Effects
Who Should Not Use It
How to Use
Using lactic acid for skin care can help you have a smoother, brighter complexion. As a gentlealpha hydroxy acid(AHA), lactic acid removes dead skin cells, lightens dark spots, and improves the look of fine lines and wrinkles on all skin types, including sensitive skin.
Lactic acid is used in many over-the-counter (OTC) skincare products and professional treatments. It’s also found in many products that are put on the skin (topical), as well as treatments foreczemaandpsoriasis.
Some people find that lactic acid irritates their skin or causes unwanted side effects. Check with your dermatologist to see if products with lactic acid are right for you.
Verywell / Emily Roberts
What Is Lactic Acid?
Lactic acid is one of the most popular AHAs available. It is a common ingredient in over-the-counter skin care products. It’s also used in stronger professional peels and treatments.
People still takemilk baths, but most lactic acid used in skin care products and peels today is made in a lab (synthetic).
Skin Benefits
As a result, lactic acid gives you a brighter complexion as well as smoother and softer skin.
Lactic acid is popular for two main reasons:It can create real change in the skin if used regularly.It’s gentle and safe, so it’s good for sensitive skin and less likely to cause irritation than other AHAs.
Lactic acid is popular for two main reasons:
While more research is needed to understand how lactic acid supports skin health, the following are some of the benefits of using the AHA according to experts:
The benefits of lactic acid may also be tied to the fact that it is an effective antimicrobial.That means it can stop the growth of bacteria on skin, which helps control breakouts.
Lactic acid is also an antioxidant.This is important for skin health because this property may help minimize the effects of heavy metals found in water, which can damage your skin.
In addition, products with lactic acid have been shown to help with these skin disorders:
Lactic Acid vs. Salicylic AcidSalicylic acid, a beta hydroxy acid, penetrates deeper into pores to remove dead skin cells.Lactic acid mostly works to exfoliate the surface of your skin. Salicylic acid might cause more irritation for some people. Talk to your dermatologist to find out which would work best for your skin type.
Lactic Acid vs. Salicylic Acid
Salicylic acid, a beta hydroxy acid, penetrates deeper into pores to remove dead skin cells.Lactic acid mostly works to exfoliate the surface of your skin. Salicylic acid might cause more irritation for some people. Talk to your dermatologist to find out which would work best for your skin type.
Possible Side Effects
Even though lactic acid is gentler for the skin than other AHAs, it is still a strong treatment. Here are a few possible side effects of using lactic acid on your skin.
Sun Sensitivity
Some studies have suggested that sun sensitivity can last for four weeksafteryou’ve stopped using a lactic acid product or peel treatment—maybe even longer.
UseSPF 30 or highersunscreen daily to protect your skin from sunburn and sun damage, even on cloudy days. If you don’t protect your skin, you could undo the benefits of lactic acid, like its ability to fade spots and soften wrinkles.
Skin Irritation
Lactic acid can also cause skin irritation. Be on the lookout for the following:
You may have mild redness, burning, and itching when you first start using a lactic acid product. As long as it is not bad and goes away within an hour or so, it’s nothing to worry about.
However, if the redness, burning, and itching are moderate to severe, or if you have swelling or a rash, wash the product off immediately and do not use it again. Call your healthcare provider for advice on what to do for your skin.
Who Should Not Use Lactic Acid on Their Skin
Lactic acid is the gentlest of alpha hydroxy acids. Most people can use it safely. Still, some people should not use products with lactic acid.
If you have very sensitive skin, lactic acid can irritate it. Start with a product that only has a small percentage of lactic acid (e.g., 5%) and see how your skin reacts to it. If you notice any irritation, stop using the product.
If you use topical retinoids likeRetin-Aor Refissa, don’t add lactic acid to your skincare routine. These products are already exfoliating your skin, so if you also use a product with lactic acid, your skin could get too sensitive.
If you are using any prescription skin care medication, check with your provider before trying any lactic acid treatment. You may not be able to use these products together.
How to Use Lactic Acid on the Skin
Over-the-counter (OTC) lactic acid products come in concentrations up to 10%.A higher percentage is available via professional therapies, but higher is not always better since more concentrated products can irritate your skin.
Lactic acid is considered generally safe at lower concentrations.Start with a product that has about 5% lactic acid.
As long as your skin can handle it, you may be able to use the products daily. However, using them every few days should be enough to see results. It can take a few months, though, to see noticeable results.
Types of products with lactic acid include:
Lactic Acid for AcneLactic acid and glycolic acid often are used to treat acne. Products that contain lactic acid include cleansers, creams, and lotions. It is often used in at-home peels and masks.Research suggests that the time of exposure to lactic acid, as with the masks and peels, contributes to how effective it is.
Lactic Acid for Acne
Lactic acid and glycolic acid often are used to treat acne. Products that contain lactic acid include cleansers, creams, and lotions. It is often used in at-home peels and masks.Research suggests that the time of exposure to lactic acid, as with the masks and peels, contributes to how effective it is.
Lactic acid and glycolic acid often are used to treat acne. Products that contain lactic acid include cleansers, creams, and lotions. It is often used in at-home peels and masks.
Research suggests that the time of exposure to lactic acid, as with the masks and peels, contributes to how effective it is.
Summary
Lactic acid is an alpha hydroxy acid that is used on the skin to remove dead skin cells and help fade dark spots and soften fine lines.
It comes in different strengths and can be found in OTC cleansers, lotions, and at-home masks. You can also get professional lactic acid peels at a spa or in a dermatologist’s office.
Start off with a low-strength product, especially if you have sensitive skin. Be sure to also use sunscreen, as lactic acid makes your skin more prone to sunburn.
13 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Acne.org.How Lactic Acid Helps with Acne.
Tang SC, Yang JH.Dual effects of alpha-hydroxy acids on the skin.Molecules. 2018;23(4):863. doi:10.3390/molecules23040863
Gao T, Wang X, Li Y, Ren F.The Role of Probiotics in Skin Health and Related Gut-Skin Axis: A Review.Nutrients. 2023;15(14):3123. Published 2023 Jul 13. doi:10.3390/nu15143123
Măgerușan ȘE, Hancu G, Rusu A.A Comprehensive Bibliographic Review Concerning the Efficacy of Organic Acids for Chemical Peels Treating Acne Vulgaris.Molecules. 2023;28(20):7219. Published 2023 Oct 22. doi:10.3390/molecules28207219
Nishioka Y, Nagano K, Koga Y, et al.Lactic acid as a major contributor to hand surface infection barrier and its association with morbidity to infectious disease.Sci Rep. 2021;11(1):18608. Published 2021 Sep 20. doi:10.1038/s41598-021-98042-4
Algiert-Zielińska B, Mucha P, Rotsztejn H.Lactic and lactobionic acids as typically moisturizing compounds.International Journal of Dermatology. 2018;58(3):374-379. doi:10.1111/ijd.14202
American Academy of Dermatology Association.What Psoriasis Treatments Are Available Without a prescription?
Simon D, Nobbe S, Nägeli M, et al.Short- and long-term effects of two emollients on itching and skin restoration in xerotic eczema.Dermatol Ther. 2018;31(6):e12692. doi:10.1111/dth.12692
Salicylic acid as a peeling agent: a comprehensive review.Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology.2015 Aug 26;8:455-61. doi:10.2147/CCID.S84765
U.S. Food and Drug Administration.Alpha hydroxy acids.
Cosmetics Info.Lactic Acid.
American Society of Plastic Surgeons.Chemical peel.
Lee CM.Fifty years of research and development of cosmeceuticals: A contemporary review.Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology.2016 Dec;15(4):527-539. doi:10.1111/jocd.12261
Meet Our Medical Expert Board
Share Feedback
Was this page helpful?Thanks for your feedback!What is your feedback?OtherHelpfulReport an ErrorSubmit
Was this page helpful?
Thanks for your feedback!
What is your feedback?OtherHelpfulReport an ErrorSubmit
What is your feedback?
